Busy Barossa – Barossa Vintage Festival
by Jess Ruciack
The buzz is building as we head into one of the Barossa’s busiest times of the year – Barossa Vintage Festival. There will be so much to see and do this week, so it is the perfect time to visit our region and experience the celebration that is Vintage Festival!
BAROSSA VINTAGE FESTIVAL
The Barossa Vintage Festival is a fun time in our region. It is a celebration; a great combination of heritage-based events and new and exciting things to do throughout the Barossa over five days in April. The Barossa Vintage Festival program features close to 90 events over the five days (24 – 28 April) and showcases food, wine and culture.
There is a great range of events, from the family friendly to black tie, casual tastings to structured masterclasses.
While we’re not holding an event this Festival, we’ll be serving wine at Strassenfest (see below) and we’d love for you to make time in your schedule to come and visit us, especially if you haven’t been to the ‘new’ Cellar Door yet.
Here’s a few events that I will be looking to attend with (and maybe some without) my family:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Wednesday – Yalumba Vintage Picnic
Check out the amazing Yalumba grounds as you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for kids as well. I have visited here with friends (as it is also school holidays) with our small-ish kids and enjoyed our afternoon with a good mix of adult and kid activities to undertake. There are demonstrations in the cooperage (where they make barrels), tastings and great local food available. The kids can have their face painted and make some crafty items too.
Thursday – Greenock Feast-ival
At the Greenock oval is a fun community event including market stalls, food and wine. Pack your picnic rug and settle in for the afternoon. And the recently upgraded playground is pretty cool too.
Friday morning – Zeigenmarkt
Roll up to Goat Square, Tanunda and witness one of the Festival’s most boisterous and exciting events: a live fresh produce and livestock market. Literally meaning ‘goat market’, the Ziegenmarkt first appeared in Tanunda during the mid-1800s. Get lost in the atmosphere of this bustling live market; bid on fresh produce, buy live stock like pheasants, sheep, pigs, taste the local fare and embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of a bygone era.
Friday afternoon/evening – Strassenfest
For the first time in 20 years, Nuriootpa is hosting this evening community event at Coulthard House. With food, wine and beer galore there will also be fun events with a traditional twist such as grape-stomping, wurst eating competitions and live music. Karli and Jodhi will be there serving our wines so pop past and say hi to them!
Saturday – Vintage Festival Parade
The Parade has run since 1948! Cute story – I remember being soooo excited to be part of the Parade when I was about 7 and our gymnastics club had a float, which was a flat-bed truck with a beam and vault and mats set up. Such a good day. And the Parade is now one of my favourite things for the kids to see. Bring your chairs and stake your viewing spot. Keep in mind that there are a number of road closures related to the Parade, so plan to work around that.
Sunday – Angaston Something in the Street
Music, art, market stalls, food, wine and the beautiful setting of Angaston’s main street. You can also enjoy a guided heritage walk and check out the cool Doddridge Blacksmith Shop.
WINE
There are so many wine related events to choose from, you’ll need to have a look yourself, but we are hosting some Shiraz Masterclasses as part of Barossa Trust Mark: the short stories. Discover the very best, bite-sized experiences from Barossa Trust Mark holders throughout the Barossa Vintage Festival.
The Barossa Wine Auction is on too – we never fail to have a great time at this event, enjoying great food and wine, Barossa camaraderie and watching the crowd get a little raucous as the auction progresses! Check out our blog on the Auction for more details on the Elderton Command Experience that is up for auction – you can place you bid online if you can’t attend on the day!
SPORTY
Punkt Zu Punkt Trail Run
If you feel like you need to incorporate something that involves exercise to make up for all the excellent local wine and food you consume during Vintage Festival then this might be your solution! The trail takes you to some beautiful scenery that you wouldn’t normally see, if you’re set for the challenge.
ARTY
Vintage Festival Art Prize Exhibition
The theme this year is ‘petrichor’ (which is the word for the smell of rain on hot dry ground). I have a personal interest as a friend has entered and I want to see her work in person, but I’m also interested to see how people have interpreted the theme. There are 77 entries which includes paintings, sculptures and more.
Vine Patch Quilters Exhibition
I’m not sure what it is about quilts, but I love to wander and look at all the work that goes into them. I find quilters to be so passionate about their craft, and love this line from the Vine Patch Quilters, “We make quilts for ourselves, family and friends and gift quilts for people who need a warm ‘hug’.”
THERE’S SO MUCH MORE!
With close to 90 events over the 5 days of Vintage Festival, there is something for everyone. If you’re only in the Barossa for one day, head to barossavintagefestival.com.au and use the filter tool to see what’s on the day that you’re here.
It’s such a busy, wonderful time to be out and about in our community, so maybe I’ll see you round!
Cheers!
